Hello, I have this modem:Zoom Telephonics: DSL Modem Products - Overview It is the Model: 5590BF Zoom X6 ADSL 2/2+ Modem w/ Wireless. I want to make the other computers in my house access the network from this modem. My brother's computer is just a room next to mine, where the modem is in and my mom has a computer downstairs on the other side of the house from where the modem is hooked up. I was thinking about getting this: Newegg.com - ABIT AirPace Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g, Wi-Fi compliant PCI Express Wireless Adapter up to 54Mbps Data Rates WEP 64-bit and 128-bit encryption WPA(Wi-Fi Protected Access) - Retail to use for the two computers to access my network. There are two reasons why I'm thinking about these: 1. It has a movable antenna, 2. It uses one of those pesky PCI express 1 slots that motherboard manufacuers insist on using even though there is nothing in the market that uses them. Is this wireless adapter a good choice? I would like to get a USB reciever but I heard those can't pick up as strong of a current as the PCI cards with antennas. Is this true? What is the Difference between AP/bridges and routers?
An access point is simply a wireless extension to an existing network. Most likely you'll want an AP if you've already got a router installed, which using DHCP will automatically sort out IP addresses and DNS information. On its own, an AP is pretty useless. A wireless router on the other hand, does everything an AP does but also handles IPs as I said above. You will however need not to buy any AP or router, since your current modem is also a wireless router. I would not recommend USB wireless peripherals, I think PCI is the best solution and in terms of software/driver support in different operating systems, PCI is easier. You'll also probably get a better signal with the larger antenna a PCI adapter has.
